The Saitama Aquarium centers on freshwater fish, in particular 70 of the 90 species of freshwater fish that live in Saitama Prefecture. In addition to fish from the Arakawa River, there is also a ‘Tropical Corner’, a ‘Rare Fish Corner’, a ‘Goldfish Corner’ and more. The pond in the gardens has large koi and grass carp measuring more than 1m in length, so while this museum may be compact it is certainly impressive.
Contents
The exhibition recreating the Arakawa River is a special feature
The main feature of this aquarium is the exhibit which recreates the Arakawa River from its source to its mouth. In the river’s upper basin from the source to nearby Chichibu City, the river flows fast and cold so there are fish like char, Japanese salmon and Japanese giant salamander. The area from Chichibu City to the vicinity of Kumayaga City makes up the middle basin, and here the river flows in a large curve.
The aquarium has an exhibition of the fish that live in this area, such as the big-scaled redfin, freshwater sprat and the kawamutsu (dark chub). In the lower basin from Kumagaya City to Tokyo Bay the river runs slowly with a large volume of water. The exhibition for this portion of the river includes koi, carp and grass carp. By observing these tanks visitors can learn more about the fish that live nearby in the Arakawa River.
Enjoy interacting with living creatures
Here you can do more than just look at the fish and aquatic creatures. In the ‘Touching Corner’ visitors can touch the American crayfish and several Japanese tortoises. Visitors can learn more about these aquatic creatures by actually touching them. Nearby this exhibit there is a convenient handwashing station. Also, out in the pond in the garden it is possible to feed the carp.
Shop for souvenirs in the gift shop!
Once you have finished enjoying the aquarium, why not choose a souvenir at the gift shop to take home with you? The shop is decorated to make you feel as though you are shopping with the fish and there is a wide range of attractive items to choose from. Two original items that you won’t find anywhere else are a t-shirt or rock paperweight featuring a cute illustration of the local Stickleback fish of Saitama. Be sure to take a look and find something you like.
Getting here
| Address | 751-1 Mitakaya, Hanyu, Saitama Prefecture 348-0011 |
| ☎ | 048-565-1010 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (Japanese) |
Access Map
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General |
Special period(*)
|
One-year pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (including high school students) | 310 yen | 410 yen | 1,030 yen |
| Senior (Ages 65 and over) | 310 yen | 410 yen | 820 yen |
| Child (Primary & middle school student) | 100 yen | 100 yen | 310 yen |
| Child (Ages 5 & under) | free | — | — |
*Please check the Special period of the official website.
Opening Hours & Calendar
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Last entry 4:30 p.m. |
|
| Dec – Feb | 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Last entry 4:00 p.m. |
| Days closed | Apr: 2nd Monday May – Nov & March: 1st Monday If the 2nd Monday or 1st Monday is a national holiday, then the next Monday. Dec – Feb: Monday, Tuesday (Open if the Monday and Tuesday are public holidays) Dec 29 – Jan 1 ※Open every day in August |
Official website
FAQs
Nursing Lounge
The aquarium has a nursing room for babies. Hot water is available for infant formula.
Coin lockers
Not available.
Baby stroller rental service
Baby strollers are available free of charge.
Wheelchair rental service
Wheelchairs are available free of charge.
